Somerset vs Sussex – 16 May 2025, 11:00 GMT – Match Preview

The 2025 T20 season continues with a highly anticipated clash between Somerset and Sussex at a neutral venue on 16 May 2025, starting at 11:00 GMT. This match promises to be an intriguing encounter, with both sides looking to climb the league table and secure a strong position in the coming weeks.

Match Context and Form

Somerset's Recent Form

Somerset have had a mixed start to the 2025 season, sitting in 9th place with 52 points from five games. Their recent form, however, has shown signs of improvement, particularly with a 3-wicket win over Essex on 2 May 2025. This follows a 6-wicket victory over Sussex just over a week earlier, where they chased down the target with 14 balls to spare, showing clear intent and confidence in their batting line-up.

Sussex's Recent Form

Sussex, in contrast, have had a slightly better start to the season and are currently in 3rd place with 72 points from five matches. However, their recent results have been inconsistent, with their last game being a draw against Worcestershire on 9 May 2025. Earlier in the season, they were edged out by Somerset in a thrilling match on 11 April 2025, where Somerset took the win by 6 wickets with 14 balls to spare, a result that could carry psychological weight in this upcoming match.

Head-to-Head Analysis

The head-to-head record between Somerset and Sussex is a fascinating subplot. In the past two encounters, Somerset have won both times, including the most recent clash in early May 2025. Historically, Somerset have dominated the series, winning 8 of the 13 meetings since 2016, including several high-scoring D/L method victories. This includes a notable 68-run win in 2023 and a 32-run win in 2017.

However, Sussex are by no means a pushover and have had their moments in this rivalry, including a 4-wicket win in July 2024. The match on 16 May is a crucial opportunity for Sussex to bounce back and prove they can handle Somerset under pressure.

Key Players and Tactics

Somerset

• Batsmen to Watch: Somerset’s middle-order has been instrumental in their recent wins. Look out for Tom Banton and George Scott for fireworks at the top, with James Hildreth likely to anchor the innings with his experience.
• Bowling Attack: Somerset’s pace attack, led by Lewis Gregory and Harry Toffan, will look to exploit any mis-hits and maintain pressure on the Sussex batters.

Sussex

• Batsmen to Watch: Sussex will rely on the explosive start provided by Chris Nash and Tom Kohler-Cadmore, with Phil Salt at the non-striker’s end to provide balance and quick runs.
• Bowling Attack: Sussex’s spin duo of Adil Rashid and Liam Norwell could be key in the middle overs, while Ollie Robinson has the pace and aggression to trouble openers.

Weather and Venue Conditions

While the exact venue has not been disclosed, the match is expected to be played at a neutral ground. Given the current forecast, sunny and dry conditions are expected, which favors aggressive batting and high-scoring innings. The average total for this venue in recent matches is 593.8 runs, with a predicted score of 285 for this match.

Prediction

This match is expected to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams looking to assert dominance early. Somerset, buoyed by their recent form and a strong head-to-head record, are slight favorites to win. However, Sussex have the firepower to challenge and will be eager to bounce back from their recent draw.

Predicted Winner: Somerset
Predicted Margin: 5-7 wickets

Match Stats

• Venue: Neutral Ground
• Time: 11:00 GMT
• Date: 16 May 2025
• Series: T20 2025
• Form: Somerset in good form, Sussex inconsistent
• Head-to-Head: Somerset 8 wins, Sussex 5 wins (since 2016)

Cricket fans can look forward to a thrilling contest between two strong teams, with the winner likely to gain significant momentum in the coming rounds.
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